Classic Poem

I mourn with bitter tears my wasted days
When my whole soul on earthly love intent
Its useless wings towards Heaven never bent
To seek by brighter example lofty praise.
O! while thine eye my wretched state surveys
Invisible eternal King of Heaven!
Unto my frail and sinful soul be given
The grace to mend the error of its ways.
So that a life in war and tempest flying
Closed by a peaceful death in port may be,
And living vainly cured by holy dying.
In the few years that yet remain to me
Be with me still.—On thee O Lord! relying,
In life and death I have no hope but thee!